Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise (Especially with an Overnight Stay)

Bermuda, a great place and a British Island Territory, is one of those ports that feels tailor-made for cruising: pink-sand beaches, turquoise water, British charm, and—best of all—ships that often dock overnight so you can actually live on the island for a couple of days instead of rushing back onboard by 4 p.m.

Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise

If you’re wondering what to do in Bermuda on a cruise, this Bermuda Cruise Guide walks you through:

• Which cruise lines sail to Bermuda

• What to expect at the main cruise port

• How to spend your time in Hamilton and St. George’s

• The best pink-sand beaches, including Horseshoe Bay

• A suggested “Day One / Day Two” overnight game plan

• Classic spots like the Swizzle Inn, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, and the National Museum of Bermuda

• Golf and mini-golf (hello, Port Royal and Bermuda Fun Golf)

• The island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Who Sails to Bermuda?

Several major cruise lines make Bermuda a star of their itineraries, mainly from the East Coast of the United States, homeports like New York, New Jersey, Boston, and occasionally Baltimore or the southeastern U.S.

According to Bermuda’s official tourism board, these cruise lines regularly sail to Bermuda: Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. Many itineraries feature at least one overnight, giving you two (or more) full days to explore.  This is our ship, the Seabourn Encore.

You’ll also see seasonal itineraries from lines like MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Holland America, and others, usually docking at the same main port—the Royal Naval Dockyard. We visited the Bermuda Cruise Port many times in our lives, most recently in 2025, when our Seabourn cruise ship stopped at the Capital of Bermuda, the City of Hamilton.

Where Your Ship Docks: Royal Naval Dockyard (King’s Wharf / Heritage Wharf)

Most large cruise ships call at Royal Naval Dockyard, on the western tip of Bermuda. This is Bermuda’s central cruise hub, and you’ll see it listed as King’s Wharf or Heritage Wharf—adjacent berths within the same complex. Smaller ships can stop in Hamilton, weather permitting.

Royal Navy Dockyard is more than just a pier; it’s essentially a ready-made shore-day village. A former British naval base from the 19th century, today the area includes:

• Shops and boutiques (including the Clocktower Mall)

• Restaurants, pubs, and cafés

• The National Museum of Bermuda is inside the old fortress

• Excursion kiosks for snorkeling, sailing, and island tours

• Small beaches and water-activity centers

From the dock, water ferries are your secret weapon. From the Dockyard ferry terminal, you can:

• Take the Blue Route ferry to Hamilton in about 20 minutes

• Take the Orange Route ferry to St. George’s in under 40 minutes

They’re fast, scenic, and often less stressful than buses or taxis when you only have a day or two.

The City of Hamilton: Colorful, Compact & Easy to Explore

Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, is a compact city with pastel buildings facing the harbor, stylish boutiques, and a nice restaurant scene. Cruise passengers usually reach Hamilton by ferry from Dockyard.

Highlights in and around Hamilton:

• Front Street – The main waterfront drag, perfect for strolling, shopping, and people-watching. All the photos are here.

• Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity – A neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral with a tower you can climb for panoramic views.

• Local shops & galleries – Look for Bermuda-inspired art, linens, and jewelry.

• Dining & cocktails – Hamilton is where you’ll find bright cocktail bars, harbor-view patios, and some of the island’s best dining.

Nearby, in Paget Parish, you’ll find the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, a peaceful green escape with flowers, trees, and walking paths, plus Camden, the official residence of Bermuda’s Premier.

St. George’s: Bermuda’s UNESCO-Listed Time Capsule

On the island’s eastern end, the town of St. George’s feels like stepping straight into Bermuda’s early colonial history. Founded in 1612, it is the oldest continuously occupied English town in the New World and is recognized by UNESCO as the Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications World Heritage Site.

Why it matters:

• UNESCO calls it an outstanding example of a fortified colonial town, with fortifications that evolved from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

• You’ll find narrow lanes, limestone buildings, and historic churches like St. Peter’s Church, one of the oldest Protestant churches in continuous use in the Americas.

Things to see in and around St. George’s:

• King’s Square – The heart of town, with colonial buildings and small museums.

• St. Peter’s Church – Atmospheric, with a historic graveyard and simple, beautiful interior.

• Unfinished Church – A haunting, roofless stone shell that’s a favorite photography stop.

• Nearby fortifications – Including Fort St. Catherine and Gates Fort, part of the UNESCO listing and offering fantastic coastal views.

Even if your ship doesn’t dock here, it’s worth the ferry ride from Dockyard for a half-day of history and wandering.

Pink Beaches & Pristine Waters

Bermuda is famous for its pink-sand pristine beaches, created by crushed coral and the tiny red shells of marine organisms, mixed with white sand. The result: a blush-toned shoreline lapped by turquoise water that looks almost unreal. Some of the beautiful beaches include:

Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton Parish is the iconic one:

• Broad sweep of pale pink sand

• Limestone rock formations framing the cove

• Gentle to moderate surf with nearby sheltered coves for children

• Facilities include restrooms, snack bars, and rentals in season

Along South Shore Park, a coastal trail links Horseshoe Bay with a string of smaller, often quieter beaches like Warwick Long Bay, Jobson’s Cove, and more.

Other pink-sand spots to consider (time permitting):

• Warwick Long Bay – Long, scenic, and fringed with reefs close to shore.

• Elbow Beach – A lovely curve of sand popular with both visitors and locals.

• Snorkel Park Beach – Located steps away from the cruise ship berth at the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Classic Sights Near the Dockyard

You could spend an entire day just in and around Royal Naval Dockyard and still not see it all. A few top picks:

National Museum of Bermuda

Housed in massive stone fortifications overlooking the harbor, the National Museum of Bermuda explores the island’s maritime history, shipwrecks, and naval heritage. The views from the ramparts are outstanding, and the exhibits give context to everything you’re seeing from the ship’s deck.

Royal Naval Dockyard Complex

Beyond the museum, wander through Dockyard itself:

• Former naval buildings are now turned into shops, galleries, and cafés

• The Clocktower Mall for souvenirs and local crafts

• Occasional local performances, festivals, or craft markets, depending on your sailing date.  The Dockyard ready for Christmas.

Bermuda Fun Golf

Just steps from the pier, you’ll find Bermuda Fun Golf, a clever 18-hole mini-golf course featuring “mini” versions of famous holes from courses in Bermuda, Scotland, and the U.S. It also has a bar and terrace with sunset views, and sometimes glow-in-the-dark night golf—perfect for evening fun during an overnight stay.

Bermuda for Golfers: Port Royal & More

If you love “real” golf, Bermuda is legendary:

• Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton is the star: an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., perched dramatically above the ocean and host to the PGA Tour’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

• Other notable courses include Mid Ocean Golf Club and Tucker’s Point (access can be more limited, so check before you go).

Most cruise passengers who want a complete round book a dedicated golf excursion or arrange a tee time with plenty of travel margin—Bermuda traffic can be slow, and you must be back on board on time.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse & Island Views

For a different perspective, head to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, one of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world.

You can climb the stairs to the top for sweeping views of South Shore beaches, golf courses, and the island’s colorful houses. It’s especially photogenic on clear days, and you’ll really understand how compact Bermuda is—ideal for a two-day intensive visit.

Bermuda Botanical Gardens

Just outside Hamilton, the Bermuda Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful break from sun and surf. Stroll past flowers, palms, and subtropical trees, and peek at Camden House, an elegant 18th-century home that serves as the official residence of Bermuda’s Premier.

If your cruise is in spring or early summer, you may catch the gardens in full bloom; otherwise, it’s still a lovely shady wander on a hot day.

Eating & Drinking: From Rum Swizzles to Harbour-View Dinners

You can’t talk about Bermuda without mentioning its signature drink: the rum swizzle, a fruity cocktail of rum, juices, and bitters.

Swizzle Inn

The most famous place to try one is the Swizzle Inn, a casual pub that claims to be the birthplace of the rum swizzle. It’s near the airport and Crystal Caves, making it a great stop if you’re out exploring the east end.

Other Tasty Stops

Depending on where you are during the day, consider:

• Harbour-view spots in Hamilton for cocktails and dinner overlooking the water

• Cafés and snack bars in the Dockyard for quick bites between activities

• Beach bars along the South Shore for lunch with your toes in the sand

• Bailey’s Ice Cream

Bermuda’s cuisine has British and Caribbean influences, with plenty of fresh seafood. Look for fish chowder, rockfish, and local specialties on the menu.

Suggested Itinerary for an Overnight Bermuda Cruise Stay

Every cruise schedule is a little different, but many ships dock at Royal Naval Dockyard for 2 days and 1 or 2 nights. Here’s a sample way to structure your time so you hit the highlights without feeling rushed.

Day One: Dockyard, History & Sunset Fun

Morning: Arrival & Dockyard Exploration

• Walk off the ship and get your bearings around Royal Naval Dockyard.

• Visit the National Museum of Bermuda early, before it gets hot, and enjoy the views from the fort.

• Pop into shops and galleries in the Clocktower Mall if you like a bit of browsing.

Afternoon: Pink Sand & South Shore

• Grab a taxi or bus to Horseshoe Bay Beach for your first pink-sand fix and a swim in that impossibly blue water.

• If you’re feeling energetic, follow the South Shore Park trail toward Warwick Long Bay to find quieter coves.

Late Afternoon / Evening: Lighthouse or Fun Golf

Option 1 – Gibbs Hill Lighthouse & Dinner

• Stop at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for views, then head back toward Hamilton or Dockyard for dinner.

Option 2 – Bermuda Fun Golf & Sunset

• Return to Dockyard and play a round at Bermuda Fun Golf—great at sunset, sometimes with glow-golf after dark.

• Enjoy drinks on the terrace or try one of the nearby Dockyard restaurants and pubs.

Because the ship stays overnight, you can linger a bit—keep an eye on the all-aboard time for that night.

Second Day: St. George’s, UNESCO History & Hamilton Evenings

Morning: St. George’s & UNESCO Heritage

• Catch the Orange Route ferry from Dockyard to St. George’s

• Wander King’s Square, visit St. Peter’s Church, and explore the narrow streets.

• If time allows, head to nearby Fort St. Catherine or Gates Fort for sea views and a close-up look at the UNESCO-listed fortifications.

You’ll be walking through the heart of Bermuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, which preserves this early 17th-century English colonial town and its defenses.

Lunch: Swizzle Inn & East-End Exploring

• On your way back from St. George’s area (or combined with a visit to Crystal Caves), stop at the Swizzle Inn for a classic rum swizzle and pub-style lunch.

Afternoon: Hamilton or One Last Beach

Option 1 – Hamilton & Botanical Gardens

• From the east end, make your way to Hamilton (via bus or taxi).

• Stroll Front Street, browse shops, and then head to the Bermuda Botanical Gardens if you want greenery instead of more sand.

Option 2 – Another Beach or Golf

• If you’re a golfer, this is your window for a tee time at Port Royal Golf Course (or another course), leaving plenty of buffer for getting back to the ship.

• Beach lovers might pick a different pink-sand spot—Warwick Long Bay or Elbow Beach—for a final swim.

• Finish your Bermuda stay with cocktails in Hamilton or Dockyard, depending on where you end your day.

• If you’re in Hamilton, choose a harbour-view restaurant for that final “pinch-me” moment before heading back via ferry or taxi.

Final Thoughts: Why Bermuda Works So Well as a Cruise Port

Bermuda combines the convenience of cruising with the depth of a destination that has:

• Genuine, UNESCO-recognized history in St. George’s

• A lively little capital in Hamilton

• A purpose-built yet atmospheric port area at Royal Naval Dockyard

• Pink-sand beaches like Horseshoe Bay, all within a compact island, you can actually experience in two days

Whether you spend your time snorkeling in clear water, climbing lighthouses, sipping rum swizzles at the Swizzle Inn, or playing a bucket-list round at Port Royal, Bermuda delivers the feeling of a real island escape—without the stress of flights or hotel logistics.

For cruise travelers, that’s the magic combination: easy to get to, easy to explore, and hard to forget. For information about cruising in general, please see our Popular Cruise Lines Post.